Merz: The war will not stop until Russia's ability to continue it collapses

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Saturday that the Russian war on Ukraine will not stop until Moscow is unable to continue it for economic and military reasons, noting that recent diplomatic efforts have not achieved any tangible progress, but have been met with further escalation from the Russian side.

During an event for his conservative party in North Rhine-Westphalia, Merz confirmed that the regime in Moscow has become more aggressive towards civilians in Ukraine, adding: "This will not stop until we ensure together that Russia, at least for economic reasons and perhaps also for military reasons, is no longer able to continue this war."

In contrast, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, announced earlier on the same day that Russian forces continue to launch intense attacks along the front line, confirming their possession of the "strategic initiative" in the field.

Ukraine is witnessing a significant escalation in Russian airstrikes this summer, which have targeted cities and towns far from the front lines, amid international warnings of worsening humanitarian crisis and deteriorating security situation in the country.